“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm
By Emily R. Evans
The Truth Reporter
On July 17 a ceremony to recognize all of the young women that are members of the Girls HUB was held at the Main Library. This program helps young women all around the city. It includes mentors to assist with the program as well as offering the young women the chance to learn from each other in a safe, loving environment.
The young women initiative offers an opportunity for participants, ages 12 to 26, to share, discuss and debate constructively to help build skills, mentorship and empowerment. In Young Women of Toledo initiative, girls hub, a STEAM ( science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) program/activity for girls and young women ages 12 to 17 that provides a dedicated workshop and designing construction through classes and carpentry, art texture and civic art support from mentors. Girl hub builders, use their creative voices and uniqueness, while examining the value of identity, voice and lived experiences and civic spaces.
“The HUB ‘s main objective is to equip a community of fearless builders. Integrating mentors, technical skills, we believe our programs equipped you with a personal power and literal power tools to build the world they want to see “(according to the program). more info @ www.womenoftoledo.org/girls hub.
The night started off with a 5:30 PM reception and appetizer in the Main Library lobby area of the McMaster Hall after everyone had mingled and viewed all of the art that the young women had put together. Everyone lined up to attend the ceremony inside of the auditorium. Each young lady was awarded recognition and given time to share with the crown strengthening her public speaking skills and giving each a chance to build confidence.
The welcome, presentation and storytelling by the mistress of ceremonies, Mary Brucker. Brucker is a past WOT board member. Class 2025 presenting partners were Terry Crosby and the Taylor Automotive family; the welcome was offered by WOT board president Nichole Beltran, and an overview and partners recognition by Executive Director Nina Corder.
Acknowledgments were made by keynote speaker Candice Harrison of the SSOE Group .
The women from each class were presented 2025 with the program coordinator Julia LaBay girls hub builder chair presentations. Aluminum toolbox presentations and the bench for charity presentation, fearless builder recognition and certificate were presented by Toledo City Councilwoman Cerssandra McPherson.
The fearless builders, a group of wonderful young girls, offered their themed chairs for the public to view.
Audrey Soltes, age 14, had a theme chair that looks like a beautiful sunflower. Her theme was about family connections, symbolizing different pieces for different people and her family. She says what she enjoyed the most that girls hub was making her mosaic art.
Augystana Ross, age 12, had a fall-themed chair in memory of her six-year-old self with her uncle and a trip that they took camping for the first time. What she enjoyed most about girls’ club was spending time with a friend and sister. Something new that she learned was to build her chair and staining wood.
Brooklyn Whitney, age 13, had a music-themed chair which was a very beautiful piece of art. Brooklyn says as a first-time fearless builder, her theme was music because she loves it and will always listen to any music that represents determination and confidence. She learned how to sand a chair and use a drill and completing her project has made her feel successful.
Delilah Washington, age 12, also had a music theme chair. Her project’s theme was to magnify music and express how projects, her and others, feel because having mutual feelings with songs from singers makes them relatable. What she enjoyed the most was making friends and learning about new tools
Eris Katner, age 14, had a theme that included pop art, animals, and building, which is something close to her heart. What she enjoyed most was using power tools to create her chair she learned how to use the jigsaw and even even though she first viewed it as intimidating, once she got used to it, she felt fearless.”.
Gabriella Munoz, age 12, chose a monarch butterfly because she had a vision of doing a random and cool idea that represents nature and outdoors. Gynessei Ross, age 13, chose the theme of flowers because of memories of her grandmother .What she enjoyed most was using power tools, and learning new skills. Hannah Depp, age 12, crafted a wonderful chair with a SpongeBob and Patrick theme representing her best friend.
Isla Merritt, age 12, chose the theme from the movie Caroline because she loves it and she loves to sew .what she enjoyed the most at Girl hub is cutting the extra pieces of wood, sanding, using tools and all the heavy work. Jaya, age 12, chose the theme baking because she loves to bake especially with her grandmother and siblings. What she enjoyed most was meeting everyone. Josefina Richards age 12 ,chose the theme of the beach and summer Juliana Martin, age 12, chose the theme based on Christianity; Justice Johnson, age 13, had a chair that represented music.
Kaylee Reyes, age 13, had a sports -themed chair. Kenley Kipplen age 12 had a chair that represented her cat. Kylee Reyes, age 13; Lea Claire Sokasits, age 1; Madisen, Lee, age 14, had an amazing chair based on Erykah Badu, fashion, style and music.
Maleah Reyes, age 14; Olivia Marshall, age 14; Pearl MiddleBrooks, age 11; RicNyia Davis, age 11; Sophia Marshall, age 14; Sydney White, age 15, were all fearless builders who created beautiful pieces of art and learned very important lessons in a short amount of time with the girls HUB.
Ariel Thomas -Wilson, age 13; Eden Hicks, age 16; Gabriella Paracchini, age 14; Hope Hicks, age 13; Isabella Hall, age 13; Justyce Savage, age 12; Kamya Robertson, age 15; Kasidy Savage, age 15; Kynnedy Knighten, age 16; Lienna Rausch, age 17; Lily Ugorowski, age 18 Lucy Harbick, age 12; Madison Perales, age 16; Manhattan Cook, age 16; Serenity Hall, age 13, and T’mya Hall, age 13, were all a part of the girls HUB alumni classes before 2025.
The 2025 bench for charity was built by Manhattan Kennedy and Eden as an art donation to a local park in the community.